Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  Ford Escape XLT AWD V6 (No Boundries) - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jennifer Dobey - September 19 - 11:10 pm

  Ive driven several vehicles and the Escape is by far best one yet! The ride is incredibly smooth with little outside noise filtering in. The seats are comfortable with built in lumbar support, but they are narrow in width. Everything else is wonderful! I am extremely satisfied and would recommend anybody to put their money down on this vehicle! Its fun, sporty and handles well in the snow. However, I wish the AWD system could be handled manually instead of it being automatic when the wheels spin at different rates.

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  Fun on a budget - 2005 Ford Mustang
  By Robert - September 19 - 12:52 pm

  I have 29,000 miles on my Mustang, bought it new when there were few on the lot and have not had the first problem. I have had mine to Miami and to Niagara Falls, ON twice and everywhere in between. The gas mileage has always been good, the best being 29mpg which I just did on a trip to Orlando and around town is usuallyin the 20-22 range depending upon my foot. The pickup and passing are excellent for a v-6 and love shifting into the 4 speed range for passing. Next one will be a GT convertible.

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  Ford Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Jim Steinhilber - September 19 - 1:50 am

  This is my 11th car. I am more satisfied with this car than any other I have ever had. Enough said?

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford F-150
  By Michael - September 18 - 2:55 pm

  One the highest quality vehicle I have ever owned. Only major issues after 65,000 miles were a bad solenoid for the locking hubs and a temp gauge that is 6 degrees off. OE tires were borderline, and interior cloth stains quite easily. Interior quality was much better before they sourced this stuff out (yes, I worked at Ford years ago and still hold the competency of the truck group high). This thing has been down a lot of washboard dirt roads and on rough narrow two tracks and is still tight. K&E filter helped gas mileage a bit. Go with the 6.5 bed if you haul any lumber or want to use the bed for overnighters.

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  None available - 2014 Ford F-150
  By Curtis moreland - September 18 - 12:47 pm

  Truck very well kept and run some good

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  No regrets! - 2007 Ford F-150
  By hocktuey - September 17 - 7:04 pm

  This is my second F-150, first one was an 04 FX4. Both have been great trucks. Its very responsive, does well off road and in sand..the shift on the fly comes in handy. Gas mileage has been around 13.4 city and 18.8 highway. No matter what trim level you get, youll be happy. Definitley go for the 5.4 triton, the 4.6 was sluggish off the line. Overall two thumbs up

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  Ford Fun Car... - 2003 Ford Focus
  By Ford Fun CAr... - September 17 - 6:29 pm

  Great city and short range trip car. Tight! Quick, totally adaquate. Can steal a parking place in a heart beat! Handles great. Would definitely recomment or buy again. Plus good visibility.

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  2009 Escape Hybrid 4WD - 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By BrionL - September 16 - 6:13 pm

  1,000 miles and very pleased with the vehicle. Getting an honest 32mpg with mixed hwy/city driving which is great for an AWD vehicle. Excellent regular performance when needed.

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  Battle Tested - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By John - September 16 - 4:31 pm

  This car gave me no probelms ever. Once it was parked in front of my house and someone crashed into it at about 30 head on and my car was fine, his was totalled. The car did not survive its second accident, it was t- boned by a Ford Econoline going about 50, but no one in the Ranger had so much as a scratch.

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  What a find! - 2007 Ford Five Hundred
  By sibewill - September 16 - 11:10 am

  I moved into this car from an 07 IS250 and have never looked back. While it is not the same Tron-like driving experience, I could not ask for a more appropriate car for travelling with my family. It has all the space we need, decent mpg and is amazingly comfortable for short or long trips. We chose this over a SUV because the large trunk will keep items from hitting the kids if we are ever rear-ended. We were already t-boned once by a RAV-4 whose driver had a senior moment, and we were able to drive away with no injuries and less damage than she had.